Abstract: A system for identifying a drone is adapted to determine a base threat value for a drone. The system includes a scanning system, configured to obtain data that is stored in a pattern database. A timer that has a data structure for storing a counter initialized to a predetermined value, the timer being operable to iteratively increment the counter if the counter value is less than a timer increment. A microprocessor is programmed with instructions to receive information from the scanning system about the drone. Then, to store the information in a pattern database. After that, to determine a base threat value of the drone based on the information stored in the pattern database. Finally, to communicate the base threat value to a user so that the user can determine whether the drone is a friend or a foe.

Abstract: Systems and methods can provide alternatives to a global positioning system (GPS). For example, certain systems can operate on 1090 MHz and provide for methods of estimating location that can be used in place of GPS. Thus, a method can include obtaining an estimate of position of an own aircraft based on time of arrival of signals from a plurality of ground stations. The calculation of the estimate can be performed in the own aircraft. The method can also include using the estimate of position instead of a position from a global positioning system.

Abstract: Technical solutions are described for configuring a dynamic geo-fence includes receiving a plurality of data samples. The method also includes selecting, from the plurality of data samples, a selected data sample as a threshold. The method also includes configuring a geo-fence for a geographic area based on the selected data sample. The method also includes adjusting an operational characteristic of a drone while the drone is in the geographic area, where the operational characteristic is adjusted based on a configuration of the drone and the geo-fence.

Abstract: A flight deck timer management system includes a database storing conditions representing a first monitoring mode defining at least a first rule, a first timing characteristic defining a first time period for compliance with the first rule, and a first advisory value relative to the first time period at which a first advisory is initiated. A control unit is configured to identify input states based on the input data, and to evaluate the input states in view of the first monitoring mode conditions. When the input states trigger the first monitoring mode, the control unit evaluates the input states in view of the first rule, initiates a first timer based on the first timing characteristic, monitors a first timing status of the first timer relative to the first advisory value, and generates display commands representing the first advisory when the first timer status reaches the first advisory value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose systems and methods for providing an ATC Overlay data link. Through embodiments of the present invention, existing ATC (or other) modulated signals using existing standard frequencies may be utilized to transmit (e.g., from an aircraft transponder) additional information in a manner that does not render the transmitted signal unrecognizable by legacy ATC equipment. Legacy equipment will be able to demodulate and decode information that was encoded in the transmitted signal in accordance with preexisting standard modulation formats, and updated equipment can also extract the additional information that was overlaid on transmitted signals.

Abstract: A method of air traffic planning includes defining an arrival network of nodes and legs. Each leg represents a segment traversed by an aircraft from an upstream one of the nodes to a downstream one of the nodes, with a plurality of the nodes being designated as scheduling points where one or more constraints are enforceable. The method includes defining for each of a plurality of aircraft, a route set including a plurality of allowed routes each of which includes legs between an arbitrary N scheduling points. And the method includes determining a plan including at least a sequence of the plurality of aircraft and an assigned route for each aircraft, with the assigned route of each aircraft may be one of the allowed routes in the route set of the respective aircraft, with the plan being determined in accordance with the arrival network, and the scheduling points and constraints.

Abstract: A commanded control signal is compared against an adaptive control signal in order to detect a rotor strike by a rotor included in an aircraft, wherein the adaptive control signal is associated with controlling the rotor and the adaptive control signal varies based at least in part on the commanded control signal and state information associated with the rotor. In response to detecting the rotor strike, a control signal to the rotor is adjusted in order to reduce a striking force associated with the rotor.

Abstract: A method for controlling an aerial vehicle includes determining a direction in which the aerial vehicle is traveling; determining, with reference to a table, an altitude range which corresponds to the determined direction and within which the aerial vehicle is caused to fly, the table indicating correspondences between directions in which the aerial vehicle is traveling and altitude ranges within which the aerial vehicle is to fly; obtaining, from an altimeter, a first altitude, which is a current altitude, at which the aerial vehicle is flying; determining whether the first altitude is included in the determined altitude range; and if it is determined that the first altitude is not included in the determined altitude range, changing an altitude at which the aerial vehicle is caused to fly from the first altitude to a second altitude included in the determined altitude range.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an information processing method applied to a mobile device, including: acquiring a first vector, wherein the first vector is used for describing the change of a relative velocity between the mobile device and a followed target object caused by the own movement of a first coordinate system which is fixedly connected with the mobile device; acquiring a second vector, wherein the second vector is a relative velocity vector between the mobile device and the followed target object; adding the first vector to the second vector to acquire a third vector, wherein the third vector is an absolute velocity vector of the target object; and acquiring a first included angle according to the third vector, wherein the first included angle is an included angle between the own absolute velocity vector of the mobile device and the third vector; and generating a control law for controlling the movement of the mobile device according to the first included angle.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to a tracking objects using a cognitive heterogeneous ad hoc mesh network. Participant objects transmit notification signals to inform other participant objects in line-of-sight of their position and movement. The participants also utilize echoes of the notification signals to detect and estimate the position and movement of non-participant objects. Participant objects can then share this positional information with one another to refine the estimated position and movement of non-participant objects. The position of each other participant and non-participant object is updated based on an individualized update rate that dynamically changes based on the distance and velocity of closure between the participant and the other participant or non-participant object.

Abstract: An aircraft separation system for receiving tracking data for a plurality of aircraft from a tracking system, determining at least some of the plurality of aircraft to include in a three-dimensional awareness zone, determining a first track pair in the awareness zone comprising a first aircraft and a second aircraft of the at least some of the plurality of aircraft, wherein the first aircraft is on a first heading and the second aircraft is on a second heading that is different from the first heading, determining a separation distance between the first aircraft and the second aircraft, and displaying, on a display of the aircraft separation system, a user interface comprising a representation of the first aircraft, a representation of the second aircraft, and an indication of the separation distance between the first aircraft and the second aircraft displayed proximate to the representation of the second aircraft.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for determining a flight route for a flight of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are presented. The flight-specific route for the UAV is determined dynamically during the flight or in advance before the flight, using navigation assistance data that includes flight-specific navigation assistance data for a plurality of geographic zones determined based on flight-specific information. The flight-specific navigation assistance data includes flight-specific ranking data for the plurality of geographic zones that can be used by the UAV or a server to determine the flight route.

Abstract: The ADS-B radio extracts Mode transponder data from parasitic oscillations on the aircraft power line induced by transmissions of ownship radar transponder reply signals. The radio is configured for replacement installation of an aircraft lighting assembly, and connection thereby to legacy onboard power sources without resorting to wireless or wired radar transponder, or pneumatic connections.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a seeker system having an infrared (IR) sensor pedestal, an IR sensor disposed on the IR pedestal and a plurality of radio frequency (RF) antenna elements symmetrically disposed in a circumferential direction around the IR sensor pedestal. The seeker system further includes a plurality of RF waveguiding structures. In an embodiment, each of the RF waveguiding structures have first and second ends and are symmetrically disposed in a circumferential direction around the IR sensor pedestal such that in response to an RF signal incident on a first end of the waveguiding structure, the RF signal is provided to one of the plurality of RF antenna elements such that in response to an RF signal incident on the seeker system from any direction, each of the plurality of RF antenna elements receive the RF signal with a desired phase characteristic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting and displaying targets based on height in relation to the wing, wingtip or other elements of the aircraft, such as engine nacelles. The location of ground obstacles is based on radar returns (from sensors deployed on the ownship), aircraft surveillance data, and/or an airport moving map database.

Abstract: Technical solutions are described for configuring a dynamic geo-fence includes receiving a plurality of data samples. The method also includes selecting, from the plurality of data samples, a selected data sample as a threshold. The method also includes configuring a geo-fence for a geographic area based on the selected data sample. The method also includes adjusting an operational characteristic of a drone while the drone is in the geographic area, where the operational characteristic is adjusted based on a configuration of the drone and the geo-fence.

Abstract: A system for identifying a drone is adapted to determine a base threat value for a drone. The system includes a scanning system, configured to obtain data that is stored in a pattern database. A timer that has a data structure for storing a counter initialized to a predetermined value, the timer being operable to iteratively increment the counter if the counter value is less than a timer increment. A microprocessor is programmed with instructions to receive information from the scanning system about the drone. Then, to store the information in a pattern database. After that, to determine a base threat value of the drone based on the information stored in the pattern database. Finally, to communicate the base threat value to a user so that the user can determine whether the drone is a friend or a foe.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a detection and avoidance apparatus for an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) and systems, devices, and techniques pertaining to automated object detection and avoidance during UAV flight. The system may detect objects within the UAV's airspace through acoustic, visual, infrared, multispectral, hyperspectral, or object detectable signal emitted or reflected from an object. The system may identify the source of the object detectable signal by comparing features of the received signal with known sources signals in a database. The features may include, for example, a multispectral signature emitted or reflected by the object. Furthermore, a trajectory envelope for the object may be determined based on characteristic performance parameters for the object such as cursing speed, maneuverability, etc. The UAV may determine an optimized flight plan based on the trajectory envelopes of detected objects within the UAV's airspace.

Abstract: Technical solutions are described for configuring a dynamic geo-fence includes receiving a plurality of data samples. The method also includes selecting, from the plurality of data samples, a selected data sample as a threshold. The method also includes configuring a geo-fence for a geographic area based on the selected data sample. The method also includes adjusting an operational characteristic of a drone while the drone is in the geographic area, where the operational characteristic is adjusted based on a configuration of the drone and the geo-fence.

Abstract: A radar apparatus includes an antenna that receives echo signals, each of the echo signals being a radar signal reflected by one or more objects; a Doppler-frequency acquirer that acquires Doppler frequencies at each range bin from the received echo signals; a direction correlation power-value calculator that calculates direction correlation power values for respective combinations of the Doppler frequencies and at least one of a distance to the one or more objects and an arrival direction of the echo signals, each direction correlation power value indicating a strength of a corresponding echo signal; and a normalized direction correlation-value calculator that calculates, for the respective combinations, normalized direction correlation values, each normalized direction correlation value indicating a probability of the arrival direction of the corresponding echo signal.

Abstract: A low flying unmanned vehicle is disclosed that may be able to determine whether a collision is possible and may take evasive action in response to the possible collision. The vehicle may wirelessly communicate and may use a standard protocol such that a variety of additional objects may be taken into account when determining the possible collision risk.

Abstract: A method of detecting conflicts between aircraft passing through managed airspace, and resolving the detected conflicts strategically. The method may include obtaining intended trajectories of aircraft through the airspace, detecting conflicts in the intended trajectories, forming a set of the conflicted aircraft, calculating one or more revised trajectories for the conflicted aircraft such that the conflicts are resolved, and advising the conflicted aircraft subject to revised trajectories of the revised trajectories.

Abstract: An apparatus and method associated with exploiting a characteristic in super-heterodyne receivers such that a modulated signal will be received on all channels simultaneously regardless of the channel selected on the receiver.

Abstract: A method to automatically and continuously provide surveillance based on central and/or distributed surveillance of presence, positions, movements and movement pattern of one or more vessels in narrow waters, a sailing lane or where danger of collision with other vessels or other fixed or floating objects may occur. A vessel emits a sweeping signal that repeatedly hits one or more detectors, which detect the character of the sweeping signal and the time intervals between the signal hits on the respective detector. The exact position of the vessel and/or movements is calculated at least on the basis of trigonometric principles, and the vessel identity is produced by using signal analysis to extract the characteristic signal sequences from the received detection signals, which are related to the transmitted radar signal(s) from the vessel(s).

Abstract: Techniques for managing a flow of an unmanned vehicle within a space may be described. In particular, the unmanned vehicle may be determined as being location within the space. The space may be associated with metric that may be based on a plurality of other unmanned vehicles also located within the space. Pairs of location and time data may be computed for the unmanned vehicle. The pairs may represent a path for the unmanned vehicle to use within the space. The pairs of location data and time data computed based on data associated with the unmanned vehicle, data associated with at least one of the other unmanned vehicles, and the metric associated with the space. Once computed, the pairs may be provided to the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of presenting air traffic data to an air traffic controller are provided. Air traffic data including a two dimensional spatial location and altitude for a plurality of aircraft is received. A disparity value is determined based on the altitude for each aircraft of the plurality of aircraft. Left and right eye images are generated of the plurality of aircraft where at least one of the left and right eye images is based on the determined disparity value. The left and right eye images are simultaneously displayed to the air traffic controller on a display. The simultaneously displayed images provide an apparent three-dimensional separation of each of the aircraft of the plurality of aircraft on the display.

Abstract: An aircraft weather radar system can include an electronic display, a radar antenna for receiving radar returns, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor can be configured to determine an existence of potential wind shear activity using the radar returns and cause the electronic display to provide an indication of the potential wind shear activity. The potential wind shear activity is different than a wind shear condition associated with a predictive wind shear icon for a wind shear event.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to reconfigurable avionics equipment, subscribed to an onboard network such as an AFDX® network. The equipment has an architecture in two portions, a functional portion which makes it possible to perform the function proper to the piece of equipment and an interfacing portion, which allows the functional portion to communicate over the network. The interfacing portion includes a configuration file separate from the one used to configure the functional portion and able to be downloaded, using the network, independently of the latter.

Abstract: A system and method for safe and effective implementation of approach procedures for guiding multiple aircraft of different weights approaching a single runway for landing, whereby lighter incoming aircraft will fly higher than heavier aircraft to avoid the wakes from the heavier aircraft, for the purpose of increasing the landing rate and, in turn, the number of aircraft that can land.

Abstract: A ground obstacle collision-avoidance system includes a plurality of radar sensor modules that each receive at a radar detector radar return signals corresponding to reflections of the emitted signal from a ground obstacle, and transmits radar information associated with the received radar signal reflections reflected from the ground obstacle, wherein each of the plurality of radar sensor modules are uniquely located on a surface of an aircraft that is at risk for collision with a ground obstacle if the aircraft is moving; a gateway unit that receives the radar information transmitted from the radar sensor module and transmits information associated with the received radar information; a processing system configured to determine a distance from the installation aircraft to a detected ground object detected; and a display configured to present a plan view indicating an aircraft icon and a graphical ground obstacle icon that is associated with the detected ground obstacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing improved situational awareness for an aircraft while taxiing. An exemplary method generates reflectivity data based on an associated emission at a transceiver located on an aircraft. At a processor, targets are determined if a portion of the generated reflectivity data is greater than a predefined threshold. Then, the analyzed targets are determined as to whether they are within a dynamically defined three-dimensional envelope. The envelope is based on wingtip light module speed and trajectory. On a display device, an indication of the nearest target is presented at the associated range to the nearest target.

Abstract: A system and related method for reception and storage of a command and control (C2) data link between a control station and a Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) for RPV operation. From the C2 data link, the system receives and stores command signals generated by the control station as well as telemetry data associated with and generated by the RPV. The system operates to compare the received telemetry data to 1) the command signal to assure RPV compliance, 2) stored information associated with the RPV to determine a RPV anomaly, and 3) stored information associated with a high value asset (HVA). Should the comparison reveal a threat to the RPV or HVA, the system alerts an authority to mitigate the threat. The system and method aggregates data associated with specific RPV type or operator to support several safety initiatives, methods used to perform predictive maintenance planning, and accident recreation and investigation.

Abstract: A method implemented by computer for the management of the flight of an aircraft comprises the steps of receiving flight directives and flight information associated with these directives; determining a flight context of the aircraft; as a function of the context determined, selecting information from among that associated with the formulation of a directive and/or with a current flight directive and/or with a change of a flight directive; sensorially restoring the selected information. Various developments are described, notably links to documentary resources, the determination of anomalies, the use of predefined logic rules and configuration options. System aspects and software aspects are described.

Abstract: Augmented autobrake systems useful in preventing accidents related to runway incursions are provided, as are related processes and program products. In one embodiment, the augmented autobrake system is deployed on an aircraft and utilized in conjunction with a Runway Warning and Status Lights (RWSL) system. The augmented autobrake system includes a wireless receiver configured to receive runway status data from the RWSL system, an aircraft brake mechanism, and a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and to the aircraft brake mechanism. The controller is configured to: (i) identify when the aircraft is projected to enter a runway incursion zone based at least in part upon the runway status data and vector data pertaining to the aircraft, and (ii) when the aircraft is projected to enter a runway incursion zone, commanding the aircraft brake mechanism to stop the aircraft prior to entry into the runway incursion zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for automatically managing the separation between two aircraft following one another. The device (1) comprises a means (6, 7) for automatically calculating, prior to performing a function to acquire and maintain separation, orders for controlling speed that enable a trailing aircraft to acquire and maintain a time separation relative to a target aircraft preceding the former.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) architecture and process, in which priority aircraft and ADS-B IN traffic information are included in the transmission of data through the telemetry communications to a remote ground control station. The present invention further proposes methods for displaying general aviation traffic information in three and/or four dimension trajectories using an industry standard Earth browser for increased situation awareness and enhanced visual acquisition of traffic for conflict detection. The present invention enable the applications of enhanced visual acquisition of traffic, traffic alerts, and en-route and terminal surveillance used to augment pilot situational awareness through ADS-B IN display and information in three or four dimensions for self-separation awareness.

Abstract: A method is described that includes receiving, by a spacing system of an ownship aircraft, a current position of the ownship aircraft and a reference position of a target aircraft, wherein the reference position is a position of the target aircraft prior to a current position of the target aircraft. The method may also include, projecting, by the spacing system of the ownship aircraft, the reference position on a trajectory of the ownship aircraft, determining a first distance between the projected reference position and the current position, projecting, by the spacing system of the ownship aircraft, the current position on a trajectory of the reference position, determining a second distance between the projected current position and the reference position, and adjusting, by the spacing system and based on an average between the first distance and the second distance, a velocity of the ownship aircraft.

Abstract: A method for estimating, from a platform, at least one parameter of an intruder. Consecutive frames of image data at different times of the intruder utilizing at least one passive sensor are generated. A direction from the platform to the intruder is determined based on the generated consecutive frames of image data. A time period remaining until a potential collision between the platform and the intruder is estimated. An angular extent of the intruder, as viewed by the passive sensor, is estimated based on the image data. At least one of a first relative location vector to a minimum intruder associated with the intruder or a second relative location vector to a maximum intruder associated with the intruder is estimated. An arrangement for generating input data to a sense-and-avoid system on-board a platform, a computer program, a computer program product and a platform carrying the arrangement are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting and displaying targets based on height in relation to the wing, wingtip or other elements of the aircraft, such as engine nacelles. The location of ground obstacles is based on radar returns (from sensors deployed on the ownship), aircraft surveillance data, and/or an airport moving map database.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of assessing the feasibility of a desired four-dimensional trajectory to be flown by an aircraft. The method comprises converting a description of the desired trajectory into a kinematic description of aircraft intent that corresponds to the desired trajectory, and providing a trajectory computation engine with the kinematic description of aircraft intent, aircraft performance data that describes the performance of the aircraft and atmospheric data that describes the atmospheric conditions along the desired trajectory, and using the trajectory computation engine to attempt to calculate the desired trajectory from the kinematic description of aircraft intent, the aircraft performance data and the atmospheric data, and reporting whether or not the desired trajectory was calculated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a potential conflict situation (2) between objects within a multidimensional traffic area (1), with the objects each moving on predetermined trajectories (T1 to T11), having the following steps: a) subdivision of the traffic area (1), with respect to at least one dimension (x, y, z, t) of the traffic area (1), into at least two partial traffic areas (11, 12, 13, 14, 41, 42, 51, 52, 53, 61), and b) repetition of steps a) and b) corresponding to those partial traffic areas (11, 12, 13, 14, 41, 42, 51, 52, 53, 61) which were subdivided in step a) and are influenced by at least two trajectories (T2, T3), with a potential conflict situation (2) between at least two trajectories (T2, T3) which jointly influence a partial traffic area (113) being determined as a function of an extent with respect to at least one dimension (x, y, z, t) of the partial traffic area (113).

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving bearing availability and accuracy in a traffic collision-avoidance system (TCAS). In an exemplary method, if only a single phase-difference value is received for one of two two-element antennas, a processor determines an expected maximum antenna element phase-difference value for the elements of the two-element antenna that did not receive a phase-difference value for a target signal source; estimates a phase-difference value for the two-element antenna that did not include a phase-difference value, based on the expected maximum antenna element phase-difference value and a previously determined predicted bearing value; and calculates bearing based on the estimated phase-difference value and a phase-difference value received from the other two-element antenna.

Abstract: Systems and related methods are delineated for employing a TCAS to provide a radar function for a UAS. One such system comprises a TCAS having at least a transceiver and an antenna, and a processor coupled to the transceiver for receiving signals generated from receipt of reflected energy received over the antenna, the reflected energy resulting from the one or more of a Mode S interrogation waveform and an ATCRBS interrogation waveform transmitted from the antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of storing and searching for an image are provided. The apparatus includes: a first signal processor which receives location information about an object detected by a sensor, generates and transmits a camera control signal to a camera based on the location information so that the camera performs a surveillance in a direction according to the camera control signal, and receives from the sensor an alarm signal notifying an intrusion of the object into a preset area; a second signal processor which receives a surveillance image of the intruding object received from the surveillance of the camera; and a control unit which stores the surveillance image in a storage unit.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a radar system is provided which accurately measures the surface profile in a wide sector beneath and forward of a helicopter, to aid low level transit and landing in poor visibility. This uses an electronic beam synthesis technique to form multiple beams directed at the area of interest, each measuring the distance to the first reflected signal received by each beam. These distances represent the profile of the ground and any objects on the ground. A processor then compares the measured profile with the ideal ground profile for safe landing. If the deviations from straight and level exceed the specified requirement for safe landing, or if sufficient rotor clearance is not detected, then a warning is given to the operator. A display will show the measured ground profile highlighting the unsafe regions, allowing the operator to seek a safe region to land.

Abstract: A system and method to display, when within an envelope of an ownship's flight path, a symbol representing wake turbulence from another aircraft based on aircraft type and flight parameters received from the other aircraft, the symbol being formatted to indicate the severity of portions of the wake turbulence. The format is modified periodically in accordance with the aircraft's flight path and a decay rate of the wake turbulence.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing antenna calibration can be used in a variety of applications. A method of calibrating an antenna array for use in a traffic advisory system or traffic alert and collision avoidance system provide a mechanism that renders complex combining circuitry unnecessary in the array. A method can include receiving an unsolicited reply that contains absolute position information of an intruder aircraft. The method can also include determining a bearing of a signal encoding the reply based on a phase relationship of the signals from an antenna array not configured to operate with an internal self-test phase calibration mechanism. The method can further include comparing the bearing based on the phase relationship with a bearing calculated by a comparison of the absolute positions of a host aircraft and the intruder aircraft. The method can additionally include calibrating the antenna array based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A trajectory-based sense-and-avoid system for use on an aircraft is provided that utilizes 4-D constructs, such as 4-D trajectories or 4-D polytopes, to maintain separation from other aircraft and/or to avoid collisions with other aircraft. In certain embodiments the trajectory-based sense-and-avoid system utilizes 4-D trajectories provided from an external source and/or 4-D trajectories estimated based on a variety of data sources during operation.

Abstract: A terrain warning system includes an indicator to inform a pilot of a proposed degree of flight parameters for safely clearing terrain. An aural message may identify a vertical speed that may be used to safely traverse terrain to the pilot. A visual indicator on a display informs the pilot of a vertical speed or climb angle to traverse terrain. The display may be a vertical speed indicator also capable of displaying traffic advisories.

Abstract: The reliability and safety of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) are improved by using the signals transmitted from an ADS-B unit as a radar transmitter with a receiver used to receive reflections.